Onychomycosis, better known as toenail fungus, is a common nail disorder that affects at least 48% of Americans by the time they’re 70. If not treated properly, then toenail fungus can disfigure and eventually destroy the toenail. Watch for discoloration, and when the condition gets to be uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. The following explores causes and treatment options for toenail fungus:

Causes
Though the disease can affect any one of your nails, the big toe and little toe are at the greatest risk. Fungus can easily spread to your feet environmentally, and these situations increase the risk:

• Damp Areas: Public restrooms, shower stalls, and swimming pools are all places that you can easily pick up a fungus. Any time your feet aren’t properly dry, you are at risk.
• Tight Shoes: This can cause trauma to the toe or keep the foot from drying out properly.
• Weakened Immune System: Diabetics in particular should be careful of contracting toenail fungus, because a compromised immune system is less able to fight off the disease.

Treatment
While prevention with shower shoes and keeping feet dry is the best option, there are several treatments available from your podiatrist:

• Removal: The doctor can remove much of the fungus by trimming, filing, or dissolving the toenail.
• Medication: Diabetics or patients with severe pain or discomfort are likely to receive oral medication to eliminate the fungus.
• Nail Polish: Medicated nail polish can be prescribed to clear up the infection.
• Surgery: If the fungus is severe enough, then the doctor will remove the nail, allowing a new, healthy nail to grow in its place.

For more information on the treatment of hammertoes, bunions and fungal infections, contact the Family Foot Center. For over 23 years Dr. Stanley Zawada and the rest of the Family Foot Center staff have provided expert care, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders for children, adults and seniors in the New York City area. Visit us online or call us at (718) 767-5555 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Given the amount of importance placed on our feet, podiatrists are in an extremely valued position. Podiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat many foot and lower leg disorders, diseases, and injuries. Here are three reasons why you might make an appointment with a podiatrist:

Hammertoes
There are only 26 bones in feet, and 14 of them are in the toes. Toe damage can easily be caused by sports, running, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Hammertoe begins as a mild deformity in which one or more of the toe joints bends irregularly. The condition will continue to worsen unless medical intervention is taken. It’s best to treat hammertoe as early as possible to prevent permanent damage to the bone.

Bunions
Though this condition is more common in women and likely genetic, any individual can develop a bunion. Affecting 5.2 million people in the United States, bunions can be exacerbated by abnormal bones or narrow-toed shoes. Bunions appear as a bony bump along the inside edge of the big toe, which is turned toward the other toes. Early prevention is best, but a wide variety of surgical techniques are available to treat this condition.

Fungal Infection
Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are two common fungal ailments that affect the feet. Yellowing toes or dry, flaky skin can be symptoms of a fungal infection, which is incredibly contagious. Fungus is easily transferred to feet and exists in wet environments like showers, pools, and spas. Take care to keep your feet dry and protected, and see a podiatrist as soon as you suspect a problem.

For more information on the treatment of hammertoes, bunions and fungal infections, contact the Family Foot Center. For over 23 years Dr. Stanley Zawada and the rest of the Family Foot Center staff have provided expert care, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders for children, adults and seniors in the New York City area. Visit us online or call us at (718) 767-5555 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Feet are constantly under the pressure of the entire weight of our bodies and can easily fall into deformity due to their constant use. The following video explores the factors that increase a person’s risk for these contractures as well as a few of the treatment options available for relief. Watch to learn how high heels can affect bunion growth.

For more information on the treatment of bunions and other types of foot pain problems contact the Family Foot Center. For over 23 years Dr. Stanley Zawada and the rest of the Family Foot Center staff have provided expert care, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders for children, adults and seniors in the New York City area. Visit us online or call us at (718) 767-5555 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.